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Christian Artists Rise Up Against Violence - AAV

In the wake of the countless tragedies that have taken place around the country, crosswalk.com would like to provide a resource to assist families in deepening their understanding of warning signs and treatments that are available regarding this issue.

Artists Against Violence, was formed in the summer of 1998 by Lord & Michaels Entertainment, in partnership with New Life Clinics, Youth Development International, {{Bleach}}, {{Temple Yard}}, {{Andy Denton}} (formerly of {{Identical Strangers}}) and {{Deniece Williams}}.

Also joining in support of the organization are Michael Tait ({{dc Talk}}), Keith & Kathy Thibodeoux, CBA International, Youth for Christ, and crosswalk.com.

WHAT IS IT?

Artists Against Violence was created out of a sincere desire to address violence by and against youth, both in the home and at school. Through this toll free number, 1-800-HELP-4ME, those needing assistance can speak directly with a clinical psychiatrist or psychologist at New Life Clinics to get immediate help with their crisis - 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, absolutely free. Those needing non-critical care will be transferred to a counselor at Youth Development International.

To motivate youth involvement, a campaign entitled Peacemaker grew out of the AAV plan. It centers on Matthew 5:9 - "Blessed are the peacemakers".

HOW IT WORKS

Each night on tour, from stage, the participating artists address the issue of violence, whether it occurs in homes, at school, or in the community - by or against youth. Each night, they distribute tools to help resolve the problem:

-- AAV Peacemaker business card-sized information cards for kids to share with friends, and

-- AAV brochures, written by New Life Clinics, to help kids assess their own anger and understand their friends anger, and for parents to identify symptoms of anger in their own kids.

The artists challenge the youth to "Be A Peacemaker" in their community, school and family. Youth leaders are given copies of the brochures and encouraged to photocopy them and give them to parents in their church.

Throughout each artist's touring schedule, promoters and local media are provided press information by tour publicists regarding the AAV campaign. Artists such as the {{Supertones}} have also recorded and distributed PSA's to promote the 1-800 help line.

Click here to see the information contained in the AAV brochure. From this page, you can also download the brochure in a Microsoft Word format that you can print out and freely distribute to help do your part in combating violence by and against youth.

Click here for additional news regarding the Columbine tragedy from the lead singer of {{Temple Yard}}, a 1989 graduate of Columbine High School.